Jayden Stockley out to earn longer Pompey stay

Steve Wilson

Jayden Stockley admitted he faces a crucial period as he attempts to convince Paul Cook to extend his Pompey stay.

The on-loan Bournemouth striker made a goalscoring return in yesterday’s 3-3 friendly draw against his parent club after two months out with an ankle problem.

It’s a key period for me in the next few weeks

Jayden Stockley

The 22-year-old has scored two goals in 11 appearances since arriving from the Cherries on the eve of the season.

But with the arrival of two more forwards in his absence in the shape of Caolan Lavery and Marc McNulty, Stockley knows he needs to make an impression on the Blues boss in the next few weeks with his current loan deal set to expire.

‘I’d be keen to stay but it’s a bit up in the air at the moment,' said the forward.

‘I love playing for Portsmouth so I will give it my all every week and see where it takes me.

‘It’s a key period for me in the next few weeks and it’s a very important time for the club as well.

‘Some good performances and a couple of goals in there might make the manager think he definitely wants to keep me.

‘I just need to get back out on the pitch and get back to doing what I was doing before I got injured.

‘I still want to be able to contribute towards a successful season at Portsmouth.

‘My loan us up in January and it’s not been discussed yet. That normally happens when you get a bit closer.

‘So I’ve just got to get my head down, no moaning and do the business.’

Stockley certainly adds more of a physical threat and more aerial prowess than McNulty and Lavery.

And he gives Cook a different option to call upon in certain games.

‘The manager has brought in two more strikers since I have been out injured and they are both very good players,’ said Stockley.

‘But, at a club like this, there will always be some real competition for places.

‘You always want the best for the team but you have also got to rely on your own ability.

‘Hopefully, I can bring something else to the team that might be needed.

‘I think I’m a different type of striker but we have seen how well they (McNulty and Lavery) have done lately.’

With Sheffield Wednesday refusing permission for Lavery to play in the FA Cup clash against Accrington Stanley this weekend, there is at least one place up for grabs.

And Stockley insists he is fit and ready if called upon.

He said: ‘I feel like I am ready and I’m hoping to be in the squad at the weekend.

‘But it’s up to the manager.

‘All I can do is show him that I am fit and available and to try to impress him.

‘I probably could have had four goals yesterday. I hit the crossbar, the post and had one cleared off the line at the end.

‘But it was just nice to get a goal, even though it was a bit strange to score against my own club.’